The months long battle between Jadon Sancho and Erik Ten Hag has reached its twilight, and each side sheaths their weapons having reached a compromise: Jadon Sancho is to leave Manchester United in January.
Every Manchester United fan will speak of Sancho’s time in Manchester using different words, but with a similar tone -A somber tone that implies unreached potentials and unexplored talent.
Neutral fans, however, will be tend to be more harsh. They will point out an unprofessional attitude and low work ethic.
Jadon Sancho was bought for 85 million Euros in July 2021 from Borussia Dortmund, having been enthroned as one of Europe’s brightest talents at the time.
Naturally, the expectations were high, he was part of a Dortmund team that enchanted the world with youthful and magical football. Fans had enough confidence in his ability to shield off any doubt, especially during the struggles in the first few months of his arrival.
Two years later and fans still clutch onto his Bundesliga memories as mementos of his brilliance, something they have only sparsely witnessed at his time in Old Trafford.
12 goals and 6 assists in 82 matches doesn’t speak well for a player who was once proclaimed as the one who would return spontaneity to a game that had felt robotic in recent times. One who was hailed as an heir to the greats.
On September 2023, Sancho released a statement that condemned the comments Coach Erik Ten Hag made about his training performances and work ethic.
United was allegedly enraged, they demanded he apologize. Opinions were divided all through the footballing world. While some were certain he did the right thing, some criticized his unprofessionalism.
When it was clear he wasn’t going to apologize, Ten Hag exiled him from all United activities, from their matches to their trainings. An internal back and forth ensued, externally instigated by the media.
Sancho had become a pariah in the United grounds. He wasn’t even considered when United had a shortage of wingers, with Antony facing legal charges and others lost to injuries. This certified his situation as unresolvable. It was then decided by both parties alike that it would be best if Jadon Sancho left the club in the January transfer window. Thus ending the tale of Manchester United’s number 25.
Numerous clubs have been alerted by the drama unfolding in the theatre of dreams, and have made moves regarding his recruitment into their side.
He is Jadon Sancho, after all, and his name still holds some weight in the footballing world. Saudi rumors were one of the first to emerge, but they were quickly disregarded.
Juventus have been making inquiries about Sancho’s availability for a loan deal. They hope to pay only a part of his huge salary, a potential deterrent for a lot of the clubs wishing to emplace their jersey on his back.
The Serie A is responsible for the rejuvenation of a lot of players’ careers after disappointing spells elsewhere. Players like Romelu Lukaku and Ciro Immobile have rediscovered their form after their moves to Italy.
Photo by: Get Italian Football News
No doubt, there is a lot going on behind the scenes that is being hidden from the rest of the world. Clubs from other leagues have made secretive approaches, and Jadon Sancho is undoubtedly considering them, what they have to offer and how it might influence his career.
He might even end up staying at United, such is the unpredictability of football. For now, it seems his current path is away from Manchester United.
His talent was never in doubt, but as we all know in football (and in life in general), talent is just not enough. With his new team, it is expected he will shake off the toxicity from his Old Trafford stint and re-build an amazing career. He is only 23 years of age, with the most of his years as an athlete ahead of him.
– Julius
*Photo courtesy of United in Post
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